Conversation 278-053

TapeTape 278StartThursday, September 16, 1971 at 11:15 AMEndThursday, September 16, 1971 at 11:48 AMTape start time02:48:11Tape end time02:50:07ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building

AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the political optics surrounding the Attica prison uprising, specifically weighing how Governor Nelson Rockefeller should handle the situation in light of forthcoming public opinion polls. The President also touches upon a potential meeting with former Miss America Phyllis George to build public rapport. The dialogue emphasizes the need to proactively refine messaging strategies before unfavorable poll data is released.

Attica Prison UprisingNelson RockefellerPublic Opinion PollingMiss AmericaPolitical Strategy

Audio

NARA Description

On September 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:15 am and 11:48 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 278-053 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 278-53

Date: September 16, 1971
Time: Unknown between 11:15 am and 11:48 am
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.

     Miss America contest
           -Letter
           -Contestants' comments
                 -Possible meeting with previous winner [Phyllis George]
     Attica
           -John D. Ehrlichman
           -Nelson A. Rockefeller
                 -Possible question
                 -Polls
                       -Louis Harris, George H. Gallup

Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

I thought you said that you heard the Miss America contest that she made a very good .

You remember you told me at one time that one of those contests .

This gal, this gal went all out on her.

And what would she finish?

That was the one you were talking about.

Great.

Yeah.

All right.

Sure.

Well, you're way in there.

That's great.

That idea that you might have to pass on the runner mark.

We've got loads to go once a week, bring a question in the way that we get across, you know, so that we can decide on the adequate way before the polls come out, or when it comes out.

I think that's a pretty good answer to be frank with the right of way.

Do you mind talking?

He should have done it, but I won't say it.

But you know how it is in the past.

There are not more errors in policy than others.

You know, there might be a question that might be a little bit the other way.

I'm sure that's what I'm saying.

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